July 31, 2015

The New York State Department of Health (DOH) today announced its selection of five organizations to be issued registrations to manufacture and dispense medical marijuana under New York State's Medical Marijuana Program. The selection of the five registered organizations is a key step forward in the accelerated timetable to implement the Medical Marijuana Program by January 2016. New York State is working to implement the program and begin providing care to patients faster than any other state has previously done.

Governor Cuomo reminded parents and caregivers to "look before you lock" and remain aware of the dangers of leaving children in hot vehicles this summer. As part of National Heatstroke Prevention Day, the Governor and several New York State agencies are raising awareness about the deadly consequences of leaving babies, toddlers, and young kids in cars, and encouraging all New Yorkers to play a role in keeping children safe from heatstroke.

July 29, 2015

NY State of Health (NYSOH), New York's official health plan Marketplace, today released demographic enrollment data on the more than 2.1 million New Yorkers who enrolled in a health plan through the Marketplace through February 28, 2015, the end of the open enrollment period. The data show that enrollment through the Marketplace increased more than two-fold and more than 89 percent of enrollees reported being uninsured at the time of application.

July 21, 2015

NY State of Health (NYSOH), the state's official health plan Marketplace, is partnering with the New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO), New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs (NYSAAF), and local Cornell Cooperative Extension sites, to make Marketplace information available at several local county fairs event to help New Yorkers learn about getting affordable health coverage through the Marketplace.

July 17, 2015

Governor Cuomo called for stronger Health Department regulations to combat the sale of synthetic cannabinoids in New York State. These dangerous, man-made compounds have resulted in a dramatic increase in hospital visits and poison control center calls. The sale and possession of dozens of synthetic cannabinoids and bath salts were banned by the Department of Health at the urging of Governor Cuomo in August, 2012. These new regulations will expand the existing list of banned substances to include new chemical compounds that drug producers have begun to make since 2012.

July 16, 2015

Governor Cuomo announced a first-of-its-kind statewide Task Force to root out worker exploitation issues in multiple industries in New York State. Building on the Governor's groundbreaking initiative to protect workers in the nail salon industry, the Task Force will identify and halt illegal practices in more industries across the state. The Task Force is composed of 10 State agencies including the Department of State, Department of Labor and Department of Agriculture and Markets, and will work in partnership with an advisory committee that is charged with providing legislative, regulatory and administrative recommendations. The Governor made the announcement while in the Bronx signing legislation to protect and support nail salon workers in New York.